Washington, DC – In a historic victory, FTLF attorney Eugene R. Fidell led a team of lawyers who successfully represented Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl in a case that has attracted nationwide attention. On Tuesday, July 26, Federal District Judge Reggie B. Walton of Washington, DC rendered a groundbreaking ruling, wiping out the conviction and sentence of Sergeant Bergdahl, who had been held captive by the Taliban for five years after leaving his post in Afghanistan in 2009. This high-profile case sparked intense controversy due to a prisoner swap negotiated by the Obama administration.

In the 63-page ruling, Judge Walton vacated all court-martial proceedings against Sergeant Bergdahl since October 2017, citing compelling reasons surrounding the military judge, Jeffery R. Nance. At that time, Nance, an Army colonel presiding over the case, had applied for a position within the Justice Department under the administration of President Donald J. Trump, a fact he had not disclosed. The omission raised concerns about potential bias, prompting Judge Walton’s decision.

Gene Fidell was lead counsel for Sergeant Bergdahl in both the military proceedings and in district court.

“This is an important victory for Sergeant Bergdahl and a crucial step towards upholding the principles of justice and fairness,” stated Fidell. “The court’s decision recognizes the need for an impartial legal process as key to ensuring public confidence in the administration of justice.”

For more information about this case or the Firm’s litigation practice, please contact Gene Fidell at efidell@feldesman.com or Matt Freedus at mfreedus@feldesman.com or call 202.466.8960.